A gale sail is a good idea but you can essentially do the same thing by
adding a set of reef points in the staysail and a reefing hook at the
tack etc. At least this is the way that I see I need to 'do it'.
Then.... add a third reef to the main; or, a trysail.

But then when you 'chintz,' you somehow wind up 'paying' for your
ill-preparation .... usually.

In article ,
Harlan Lachman wrote:

In article .com,
"Matt" wrote:

Hi,
I've recently sold my main\jib TS and bought a cutter rigged ketch
and have come up with a few things I'm not too sure of.

I've got a yankee cut Jib and self tacking staysl I tend to use when
it's at all blowy or likely to be. I've also got a very large Genoa I
use when it's not. I thought that with the Genoa you keep the staysl
down as you don't want to smother the Genoa. I read a comment where the
staysl was used with a genoa. Is this worthwhile\possible with a large
genoa?

Now I know this one is subjective.........but, I feel very comfortable
with the jib\staysl cutter rig, particularily in bad weather. My wife
is keen on a self furler and I can appreciate that most of the time I
probably would find a furler made things easier.

Now the question is, given that our game is cruising , is it
(a)possible (ie how do you hank jib on with furler) and (b) practicable
to switch between the two?

I guess what I'm asking is do many cruisers actually do this.

O.k last question. I'm yet to fly the kite shaped spinnaker. Is this
sail set with two poles similiar to twin headsails or like a
conventional spinnaker. Is this sail only for running?

I've got a ways to go on the learning curve so hope these questions
make some sense.

Thanks

Matt: Mr. Hampel's post says it all. But if furling your headsail to 30%
is still too much sail, you might want to check out Gale Sails
(http://www.pridemarine.com/ATN%20Gale%20Sail.htm) which simplifies
storm jibs for those with roller furled headsails. You can put out a
band aid to balance the boat and go upwind without having to change
sails.

Don't have anything to do with company but it is something I am adding
to my new boat.

harlan